Family loses breadwinner in accident, wins compensation

The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal has awarded a compensation of Rs 25,54,000 to a family, of which the youngest child is two-and-half-years-old, after their father was crushed killed by a heavy vehicle. The tribunal held that the compensation is not only awarded in order to support the family of the deceased financially, but also towards the loss of love and concern that the family lost.

The case dates back to November 2011, when Arun Shinde, a resident of Andheri, was sleeping in front of a temple in Marol. At around 2.30 am, the driver of a tempo, who was speeding, ran over the Shinde and killed him on the spot. A case was registered against the driver. Meanwhile, the deceased's family approached the tribunal seeking compensation. The family, in their plea, held that he was an electrician who earned Rs 14,000 per month. He would support his family, comprising his wife, father and five children, with the meagre amount.

The insurance firm of the offending vehicle, Cholamandalam MS General Insurance, was asked to file its reply towards the plea of compensation, to which the firm held that the driver was responsible for the accident because he did not have a valid driving license. The tribunal asked the tempo owner and the insurance firm to jointly pay compensation, along with a 9 per cent interest rate on the amount from 2011.